cnn.com reports:
Two of the most common diseases in the United States — cancer and diabetes — are not often linked together in the public mind. But they may have a stronger link than most people think. Cancer patients who already have diabetes have a greater chance of dying of the disease than cancer patients who do not have the blood-sugar disorder, according to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

If researchers can tease out the reason why, they might have an opportunity to reduce cancer deaths by focusing on diabetes-related health problems, says lead author Frederick Brancati, M.D., a professor of medicine and epidemiology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, in Baltimore, Maryland.

About 24 million people in the United States have diabetes, and about eight to 18 percent of newly diagnosed cancer patients also have the disease.

Kerryn was a dual Commonwealth Games marathon gold mealist and mother to three young children. She was only 41 years old.

Kerryn was an inspiration to many people in Australia, especially when at 38 years of age she defended her Commonwealth title in Melbourne, powering home over the final 200m to clinch gold just two seconds ahead of Kenyan Hellen Cherono Koskei.

Kerryn was diagnosed with breast cancer in August of last year during her pregnancy. She delayed having chemotherapy until after her sons birth.

They induced an early labour at 34 weeks and she begun an 18 week course of chemotherapy.

Kerryn beat breast cancer but was diagnosed four months ago with liver cancer.

She leaves behind her husband, Greg and 3 children Benton, 11, Josie, 5, and Cooper, 14 months. They were at her bedside overnight when she died at their home near Wollongong in NSW.

Kerryn showed us that the greatest power we have is to never give up even when it looks like you can’t go any further or harder. She continues to inspire.

The absolute tragedy is that apart from being 48 years old, he had chosen to ignore the many signs leading up to his diagnosis. It wasn’t that he was unaware of his health issues but that he simply put it in the back of his mind and went on denying he had a potential problem.

The very sad reality is, had he seen a doctor when his symptoms first appeared, he may have been able to receive treatment that at the very least extended his life and at the very most, put him in remission.
He was a father to a 13 year old daughter and I am so very sad for her today.

His wife was initially angry with her husband. She had repeatedly told him to seek medical advice but he was insistent that it was nothing to worry about.
The tragedy is that he has left a wife behind who is now dealing with guilt and anger for not pushing him to see a doctor and a young woman devistated that her Dad is not with her today.

I know that for many men it is simply easier to try and ignore their health but please, take it seriously. You are Husbands, Dads, Sons and Brothers and the void you leave behind is often unbearable for your loved ones.

It is ironic that most men take the responsibility of being a parent seriously. They work hard to provide happy childhoods for their children and provide them with everything they can. Yet, so many don’t take responsibility of their health when in-fact, it’s the most important thing they should be doing.

Take care of yourself and see a doctor regularly and especially if you know or suspect there might be an issue with your health.

1. What is the difference between the types of diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes = no insulin produced by the pancreas. This type of diabetes is usually found in young people and children however it can occur in mature aged people. These people are usually not overweight and account for 10% of people with diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes = in this form of diabetes the pancreas is producing insulin however it may be insufficient in quantity or the insulin itself is not working effectively at the cell site (insulin resistance).
This form of diabetes is directly linked to a change of lifestyle in the last 20-30years as the incidence of Type 2 diabetes is increasing worldwide for a number of reasons:
• Population ageing and growth
• Increasing trends towards obesity
• Unhealthy diets
• Sedentary lifestyles

2. Can a Type 2 diabetic become a Type 1?
No. In Type 1 diabetes there is no insulin production whereas in type 2 diabetes the pancreas is producing some insulin.
Sometimes, people with type 2 diabetes who are either not tolerating their diabetes tablets or who despite their oral tablets are still not controlling the blood glucose levels well may require insulin. They are called Type 2 Diabetes Requiring Insulin.

3. Does Type 2 requiring insulin become a Type 1?
No, as the pancreas is still producing insulin. In Type 1 diabetes the pancreas has stopped producing insulin altogether, whereas in type 2 diabetes some insulin is being produced.

4. What is ‘borderline’ diabetes?
“Borderline diabetes”, may also be known as Impaired Glucose Tolerance or Impaired Fasting Glucose. These two conditions are sometimes called Pre- Diabetes.

This condition is an early warning indicator that you are at a higher risk of developing diabetes within the next two years.
By making adjustments to what you eat and increasing your levels of physical activity you can delay the onset on diabetes.

5. Is there a blood test that my doctor orders which will tell him if I my pancreas is producing insulin?
Yes. A blood test is run to indicate the level of insulin production.

6. My relative does not have diabetes but has low blood glucose levels (+/-symptoms) What does this mean?
Hypoglycaemia is the term used for low blood glucose levels. People on diabetes medication (tablets / insulin) to help them manage their diabetes are at risk of ‘hypos’ which can be serious if not treated promptly as they are under the influence of their diabetes medication.
Sometimes people who do not have a history of diabetes may develop symptoms of hypoglycaemia (hunger, sweating, trembling) if they go for long gaps between meals. This may also be called ‘reactionary hypoglycaemia’ and is reversed by their ‘hormonal system’ sending in what is called ‘counter-regulatory hormones’.

7. What is the link between stress and diabetes?
When we are under stress (eg illness or work related) our body copes through a natural response called the ‘fight or flight’ response. This is a hormonal mechanism whereby the ‘fight or flight ‘hormones are released during stress. In turn these hormones :
• reduce the production of insulin
• elevated production of glucose from the liver
• Prevent the muscles from taking up that extra glucose
• Over time, this will cause blood glucose levels to rise

8. Are sugar and glucose the same thing?
Sugar: aka sucrose (the type we put in our tea or coffee) does not cause diabetes. However if we consume large amounts of sweets / cool drinks over time we will put on weight which in turn will prevent the insulin from working properly and hence the blood glucose levels will rise.
Glucose: Is the fuel that our body requires for metabolism*. We derive most of this fuel from the carbohydrates (bread, rice, pasta, certain vegetables) that we consume in our daily diet.

*Metabolism – Once foods have been ingested, there follows a large number of biochemical reactions in the body, this is referred to as metabolism.

I’ve put together a list of 7 common questions (including answers) asked by people regarding Type 2 Diabetes. I’ll be posting further common questions in the coming weeks so stay tuned…

1. Why did I get diabetes? I am not overweight and I am active.
ANSWER: There are a number of risk factors for diabetes.

They include:

• family history
• overweight
• >55yrs of age
• history of high blood pressure and/or cholesterol
• history of heart attack of stroke
• history of pre-diabetes
• History of gestational diabetes (diabetes in pregnancy)

If you have any one of these risk factors there may be something that ‘triggers’ diabetes.

The triggers may be:

• stress (eg health issues, financial, work , family issues)
• medications which you may be having to treat another condition may have the side effect of elevating the blood glucose levels eg steroids, anti-psychotic medication

2. I thought only fat people get diabetes?
ANSWER: No. All people are at risk of diabetes, however people who have a family history have a high risk of developing diabetes. People who are overweight and inactive are also at a higher risk of developing diabetes.

3. Is there a link between high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes?
ANSWER: Yes. Managing your cholesterol and blood pressure is vitally important in managing your diabetes.

• When the cholesterol levels are higher it means the level of blood fats circulating in your blood stream are higher.
  Over time the circulating blood fats will be laid down within the blood vessel wall (called plaques). This combined with the high circulating fats will prevent the insulin from working efficiently in moving the blood glucose from the blood stream into body’s cells.
• As the plaques build up they will start to narrow the artery wall. This results in the blood having more difficulty passing through the vessels. Your heart then has to work harder to push the blood through your system (increased blood pressure).
• If the artery becomes totally blocked by the fatty plaques then no blood can get through and with lack of oxygen to the cells they start to die (heart attack / stroke).

4. Why are younger people getting diabetes?
ANSWER: We are seeing younger people with Type 2 Diabetes and this is directly linked to a change of lifestyle in the last 20-30 years.

The incidence of Type 2 diabetes is increasing worldwide for a number of reasons:

• Increasing trends towards obesity
• Unhealthy diets – larger amounts of higher fat and energy dense foods consumed
• Sedentary lifestyles – not participating in any form or level of physical activity on a day–to–day basis

5. If I lose weight, eat healthily and exercise more will my diabetes go away?
ANSWER: No.

• Once a person has been confirmed with a diagnosis of diabetes they have the condition for the rest of their lives.
• The good news is that diabetes is a condition which can be controlled and the complications can be avoided through HEALTHY lifestyle changes (eating healthily, being physical active) and for some the use of diabetes medications.

6. I have a family history of diabetes but have worked very hard at keeping my weight down… so now why have I got diabetes?
ANSWER:One of the risk factors for diabetes is family history. If you have one or more risk factors there has been a ‘trigger’ which has elevated your blood glucose levels. (see question 1).

7. Are my children/grandchildren at risk of diabetes?
ANSWER:Yes.

• If there is a history of diabetes in a family then all generations of children are at risk of developing diabetes.

Jane passed away after a long batter with breast cancer and leaves behind two beautiful young children and Glenn.
It’s really hard to know where to begin in trying to capture just how inspirational this woman was. She really did light up a room and in many ways outshone her super sportsman husband. It never did seem to bother Glenn McGrath. You could tell he was totally in-love with this beautiful, vibrant and strong woman.

Rather than just focus on her own battle with cancer which she was more entitled to do, Jane and Glenn campaigned tirelessly, raising money and awareness of breast cancer culminating in the foundation of the McGrath Foundation.

To try and put into words how special this lady was is almost impossible but this might help to explain. My partners Dad, Bill recently visited from Texas and one night we watched one of Australia’s finest interviewers, Andrew Denton talking with Glenn and Jane McGrath. The interview was really more about Glenn and his sporting accomplishments. But Jane just had this ability to draw your attention, not intentionally. She had this calmness about her and a beaming smile. The interview quickly went from talking to Glenn to Andrew Denton being drawn to Jane and hearing about her initial diagnosis to her ongoing fight to beat this disease.
Her strength, composure, quiet determination and will to survive was an inspiration. Bill, who knew nothing of this woman or her husband was so overwhelmed by her that he didn’t take his eyes of the TV for the entire interview. I would say that there are very few people who can be so compelling and genuine as to be able to move someone who knows nothing of them to hope with all his heart and soul that she survived. I just know he will be so sad to hear of her passing when we email him later tonight.

We have lost so many amazing women like Jane to a horrible disease. Let’s hope that Jane’s fight will inspire others to carry on and for research to continue to find a cure.

To Jane’s loving family both in Australia and England, we are so sorry for your loss.

I have included the interview Jane and Glenn did with Andrew Denton and highly recommend you watch it.

Related Links

• http://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/

According to the report, one large glass of wine a night can increase the risk of breast cancer by a whopping 60%.

One of the biggest issues is that wine glasses have increased in size, in the UK a standard drink is measured in units. A large glass of wine is now equivalent to three units. So woman are drinking more and increasing their risk of breast cancer plus multiple other health risks.

The news isn’t much better for men. Drinking one pint of beer or a large glass of wine a night increases the risk of bowel cancer by 10% or 1 in 20.

So there is certainly enough reason for people to either stop drinking altogether or reducing the amount they consume. My partner and I have already taken this on-board and have done away with our large glasses and replaced with smaller ones. We don’t drink at all during the week and will have 2 over the course of the weekend.

I’ve never been a big drinker and for as long as I can remember I have always felt like there was a need to defend myself. Going to parties or any social gathering, alcohol would be more or less pushed at you. The moment you say no, people look at you like you like there’s something wrong with you! Infact, some of my closest family would call me boring.

It’s even harder for men. Take the case of 58 year old Brian, married and a father of two who was a heavy drinker. He was the life the party and would go out to get drunk. Brian, like most Australian men was a moderate to high drinker. He had gone from drinking beer in his 20′s to scotch in his 30′s and through his 40′s.

Brian decided to quit drinking about 12 years ago after a serious accident which resulted in some pretty heavy medications. The alcohol was not sitting well and his family noticed a huge difference in his mood over the coming months. The weight piled on and so did the amount he consumed.

One of the first things he noticed after quitting was that his friends and some family members started to tease him. They would tease him mercilessly and joke about his decision. Being called a whimp, boring and a loser was a fairly common occurrence. Interestingly though, they were more than happy for him to drive them home after a big night out boozing!

He was more than capable of taking the friendly jokes and has continued to not drink. Over the years, friends have relented and some have even congratulated him on sticking with it.

So why is it that people who choose not to drink are treated this way? I have a few thoughts on this. My leading theory is that people find it quite threatening. Whether by choice or habit, they continue to drink, so seeing someone who has stopped brings the truth a little too close to home.

Another is that people have it in their heads that you have to be drunk to have a good time. I don’t know when or why this has happened but it’s pretty clear that this perception is played out in many parties both under age and over every weekend. It’s not age discriminate either. There are plenty of people who should know better that get blind drunk at parties and think it’s a good night out.

The reality is, even though we now know there is a strong like between cancer and drinking many people, kids included will continue to drink much more than they should. Some will develop serious drinking problems which will affect the rest of their life.

The sad reality is that the thought of being a social outcast whether through friends joking around with you or more serious bullying might be enough for some people to continue drinking, regardless of the risks.

I can only suggest that those who are drinking every night consider reducing their consumption and maybe just drink on the weekend and not as much.

Personally, I think people who choose not to drink should be congratulated and admired.

“In a study published in the journal Epidemiology, the team compared the dietary habits of 465 people with chronic kidney disease and 467 healthy people. After controlling for various factors, the team found that drinking two or more colas a day — whether artificially sweetened or regular — was linked to a twofold risk of chronic kidney disease.

source: nytimes.com

It appears that the phosphoric acid seems to increase the risk of kidney stones, renal failure and other conditions affecting the kidneys.

I’ve got to say, the very thought of getting kidney stones is more than enough reason for me not to drink cola. I’ve known a few people who have had them and from what they have all said, the pain is excruciating. Worse than giving birth was the comment from one lady who has two children.

Just on the subject of kidney stones, drinking plenty of water will help to prevent them, so that’s just another reason to make sure you keep yourself hydrated.

The study also found that drinking two or more noncola carbonated drinks did not increase the risk of chronic kidney disease.

I don’t buy these myself as I prefer fresh fruit and vegetables to snack on but I know many people who eat these thinking they are healthy and low in fat. Packaging plays a major part in this and like always, you really do need to read the labels carefully. Just because a product has words like healthy or 99% fat free doesn’t meant that they are good for you or low in fat.

The criterion used to select these particular products is total calories, caloric density, saturated fat, fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals.

The study also found using a solarium just once increased an individual’s chance of developing the rarest and deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma by 22 per cent.

Last year, the dangers of using solariums was highlighted by a very brave and young Clare Oliver who passed away at the age of 26 from skin cancer in September.
Clare was a regular user of solariums and also sun baked regularly at the beach but after discovering a lump under her arm which was later diagnosed as melanoma.

She worked hard in her final weeks to make the public aware of the dangers of solariums and sun baking. Clare Oliver Melanoma Fund